NORFOLK, Va. --- The Norfolk State volleyball team wrapped up its regular season on Friday night, falling to Howard in three sets (17-25, 21-25, 10-25).
 
The Spartans finish the regular season 5-23 overall and 3-11 in the MEAC. Howard improved to 16-10 and 10-4 in conference play.
 
Before the match, NSU honored seniors Mya Wood, Ryan Nored, and Sydney McCree for their contributions to the program.
 
Gabrielle Gilbert led Norfolk State with 15 kills. Jasmine Mataira directed the offense with 22 assists. Mary Nahinu anchored the back row with 10 digs, and Reagan Chisholm added two blocks.
 
NSU held an early 8-7 lead in the opening set, but Howard responded with a 3-0 run to take control. The Bison pushed ahead with a 6-2 spurt for a 16-10 advantage. The Spartans trimmed the deficit to 18-14 on a block by Chisholm and Catori Crawford, but Howard closed the frame with a 7-3 run to win 25-17.
 
Howard jumped ahead 8-6 in set two before a Gilbert kill and a Mataira ace pulled the Spartans even. After the Bison scored four straight, NSU answered with a 5-1 run to tie the set at 13. Howard regained a 18-15 lead, but the Spartans surged back with a 5-2 stretch capped by a Wood kill to move ahead 20-19. The Bison responded once more, ending the set on a 6-1 run to take it 25-21.
 
Howard controlled the third set from the start, building a 13-6 lead before Chisholm halted the run with a kill. The Bison continued to press, scoring seven straight for a 20-7 cushion. NSU picked up three of the next four points, but Howard closed out the match 25-10.
 
Norfolk State shifts its focus to the MEAC Tournament, hosted by Coppin State University. The Spartans open postseason play on Thursday, Nov. 20.
 
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